Costco members must know these seven rules before entering – and ‘card’ checkout policy will not let you leave ...Middle East

COSTCO customers must be aware of seven key house rules before entering the warehouse club.

One of the retailer’s lesser-known checkout policies requires a certain card, or you will be unable to leave.

A Costco card comes with a number of perks, from discounted bulk items and food court deals to travel packages and gas savings.

While a membership comes with a lot of power, it also comes with a lot of responsibility.

When Costco customers sign up for a membership, they are agreeing to the company’s terms and conditions, and violating these rules can result in various consequences.

For example, shoppers may be asked to leave the warehouse or even have their membership terminated. 

RULES RULE

To prevent an unpleasant run-in at the warehouse club, Costco members should know seven house rules before stepping foot in the store.

1. Membership Card Usage

When a customer signs up for a Gold Star, Business, or Executive membership, their card is authorized for their use only and is not transferable.

In order to sign up for a membership, shoppers must present a valid photo ID card or passport to verify their identity.

Costco enforces this strict policy by requiring that the name on a member’s credit card matches the name on their Costco membership card.

2. Warehouse Entry and Exit

Costco further enforces its members-only policy by requiring shoppers to scan their membership card in order to enter the store.

Customers must also present their membership card when checking out at a payment register.

Bar codes, photos, or other copies of the card are not accepted.

3. Verifying Purchases

One of the well-known policies at Costco is its receipt check.

“To ensure that all members are correctly charged for the merchandise purchased, all receipts and merchandise will be inspected as you leave the warehouse,” reads the company’s website.

Costco’s receipt checkers stand at the exit doors to check the accuracy of each member’s purchases and help maintain inventory accuracy. 

Costco's membership scanners

Costco has unveiled membership scanners at its store entrances.

In August 2024, the retailer released a statement about the scanners on its website.

“Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse,” it wrote.

“Once deployed, prior to entering, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR Code against the scanner.

“Guests must also be accompanied by a valid member for entry.

“If you have any questions or concerns, there will always be an attendant at the door to assist you!

“If your membership is inactive, expired, or you would like to sign up for a new membership, the attendant will ask that you stop by the membership counter prior to entering the warehouse to shop.

“Additionally, if your membership card does not have a photo, please be prepared to show your valid photo ID.

“We encourage you to stop by the membership counter to have a photo taken to have on your card.”

They briefly eye the receipt and cart, checking for discrepancies and marking the receipt to prevent reuse.

4. Guest Policy

Costco members are allowed to bring up to two guests into the warehouse, but only members are permitted to make purchases.

There is an exception in some states that allows certain merchandise like prescriptions and alcohol to be purchased by nonmembers.

In most cases, guests and nonmembers are not permitted to make purchases, as a valid membership card and credit cards under the account holder’s name are required.

Costco members can, however, receive an additional membership card for one adult member of their household free of charge.

Business members who want to add more people beyond the household member to their membership are required to pay a fee for each additional card. 

Costco membership sharing guidelines

Costco has strict rules for membership use that shoppers must follow and they've been cracking down on offenders in recent years.

Credit: Costco

5. Credit Card Policy

Before heading into a Costco warehouse, members should be aware that the retailer does not accept all forms of payment.

In-store shoppers can pay with the following payment methods:

Unfortunately for members with Discover, Mastercard, or American Express credit cards, attempting to use one of these cards may cause an embarrassing scene at checkout.

6. Conduct and Prohibited Items

When Costco shoppers sign up for a membership, they are agreeing to follow general guidelines, such as wearing appropriate attire like a shirt and shoes.

A membership card is also a promise to refrain from harassment or discrimination or bring firearms, weapons, or pets into the warehouse.

Additionally, Costco reserves the right to inspect any container, backpack, briefcase, or bag when shoppers enter or exit the store.

7. Age Policies

Costco has a number of rules in place surrounding its customers’ age.

The first is that only qualifying individuals age 16 and over are permitted to sign up for their own membership or receive a household card.

Additionally, members can bring children into the warehouse, although they cannot be left unattended.

Another policy regarding age is that liquor and tobacco sales cannot be made to minors.

Costco shoppers have frequently aired their grievances with the retailer’s rules.

The company was told to “join this century” over three checkout policy problems as members go to a rival that’s better in “all aspects.”

Even employees have complained about Costco’s rules, with one worker issuing a two-word warning about a new store policy “making life difficult.”

Membership and store cards on offer from major retailers

Here is a breakdown of the store cards on offer to customers from various retailers and their benefits

* If you click a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue.

Costco:

Sam’s Club:

Target:

Walmart:

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